We have many DV2020 selectees with very basic questions. Let me try and address the most frequent ones here in the hope that people will read this. If you ask a question and I give you a link to this page, it is to indicate that your question can be answered by reading this page and using some common sense. Please use the links in the title at the top of this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the DV lottery guide. There is LOTS of information available on my site – so a look through the FAQ and guide will take care of most questions.
Please read the ground rules at the bottom of this page.
Current Status of the ESC page
For the first few days each year the performance of the system is bad. Too many people are checking, the site gets overwhelmed and crashes. As of today, it seems to be behaving better most of the time – BUT it could still crash or be sluggish.
The site is accurately providing results. It is not broken for basic checking. However, the “Forgot Confirmation Number link is broken. It takes your info and bounces back to the start when you submit. So – if you have not got your details from the entry last year, you will have to wait until they fix that functionality. I have NO IDEA when that will be. You have to just wait. I have received MANY requests to recover confirmation codes for people, I have NO WAY of doing that, so your emails are being ignored.
Next, as usual, I have already had many people who swear they have followed instructions and the system won’t find their result. Every single case I have been sent so far that I have check I was able to get the result first time. That means people are not paying attention. The most common ways are entering the whole name (not just the lastname before the comma), or they mix up letters/numbers in the confirmation code. The system prompts people about the latter, but people ignore that, and assume the system is broken. It is not broken. YOU are making a mistake. The links below will help both with the checking AND with accessing the DS260 for winners.
However, I do want to urge people to NOT rush to fill out the DS260. There is no advantage to rushing, and many of you can actually cause yourself a problem by submitting a DS260 without thinking it through. So – wait. Read below and take your time.
Here are two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And here is a video to explain how to check your entry result.
And for those that cannot submit their DS260
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
And those that cannot access their DS260 because of invalid immigrant case number message click this link
Now – some questions.
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2019 cases well into 2020. Submissions as late as April, May or perhaps even June of next year will still get processed in time.
How long does it take to process the DS260?
The way DS260’s are processed was changed for DV2018. In addition there was a change to the process at the beginning of this year about ubmitting documents to KCC AFTER the DS260. So – please be careful.
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 weeks. From 2018, KCC managed to prioritize the way they process DS260s to ensure DS260s submitted for lower case numbers are processed before higher case numbers that will wait anyway for their case numbers to become current. This was a good change – because in previous years DS260 caused scheduling delays for many cases.
Does every DS260 take the same time to process?
No. There is some background checks required on each case that vary according to the situation of the selectees. The precise details of the checks are not published, but we can guess they are mainly about ensuring security of the USA. That means they communicate with agencies and foreign governments about the details you provide on the DS260. Some countries co-operate with the USA, some don’t. In countries that don’t co-operate you can expect DS260 will take longer. So, some cases are very simple, and some not so simple. If a selectee was raised in Western Europe, works in an office and has never travelled to certain high risk countries we can expect the DS260 processing (once the case is ACTUALLY processed, not queued) to be quick. If on the other hand someone has travel history around certain countries in the middle East or lists their work as “Nuclear weapons specialist”, well they can expect the US government to take longer over those checks.
So – never assume that all DS260s submitted on the same day will complete processing on the same day. There will be variations.
When will I be interviewed?
Interview timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. If you submitted your DS260 early, but have a high case number within your region, you will wait until that case number is ready to be interviewed. So – if you are case number 10000 in AS region for example you can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However regions have their own numbering, SO that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be a lot higher) that 10000 number would be very low. So “low or high” number is relative within the region.
Is my number safe?
At this time we are already seeing some VERY high case numbers being quoted, these high numbers are FAR beyond the numbers that we have come to consider as safe numbers. So there can only be two explanations of that.
- KCC have selected FAR too many people and high case numbers will not get interviewed. That has happened before, and is somewhat “normal” which is why being selected is not a guarantee of getting a Green Card.
- There are more holes this year because KCC implemented some new technology/rule. This is a possible, but probably over optimistic idea. As I mentioned in my last article the case numbers are not consecutive. So – it is possible to have a massive increase in holes over previous years. But until we see the selectee numbers we will not know how many holes there are.
The point is, if point 2 is not correct (and I tend to believe it is not), then this year will see cutoffs at the end of the year so selectees with high case numbers will miss out. Again, until we see the selectee numbers we cannot say for sure what is high, or what is safe. Please understand I cannot answer the “am I safe” question for many of you.
Update July 2019 – since this article was published we now have more data and I have predictions here:
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No DV2020 interviews will happen before October 2019. DV2020 interviews will continue until September 30th 2020. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in monthly batches about 6 weeks before the interview month. The notification is called the 2NL.
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for DV2020 will go out in mid/late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October, AND have submitted their documents. Then 2NLs will come in a monthly schedule, also late in each month. So – late in September for November interviews and so on.
When are the visa bulletins published?
The visa bulletins are published around the 8th to the 15th of each month. If you call KCC they will always respond that it is released on the 15th. They are not “late” until the 16th. Usually I get people lamenting “the sky is falling” and “why are they so late” around the 10th or 11th. That will happen every month – and no matter how many times I explain, people are impatient. But please understand this is very predictable – there WILL be a new VB every month, between the 8th and the 15th. Every month.
“My case number is XXXX when will I be scheduled?”
Oh man. These questions are tiring. I really expect people to use some thought process about this, and if you can’t do that, then asking me to think for you is not going to be warmly welcomed by me. I have made available more than enough information to get an idea of how scheduling works, but remember, cases are scheduled according to ALL the following three things.
- The case number. No case will EVER be scheduled until the case number is ready.
- DS260 submission. Until the DS260 is submitted AND PROCESSED, you will not be scheduled.
- Submitted documents to KCC (new process). Until your documents are submitted to KCC you will not be processed. Read about the new procedure here.
How do KCC schedule the cases?
Roughly speaking all interviews are spread out over the year, starting in October and ending the following September. KCC release numbers via the visa bulletin to say which case numbers can be interviewed. Check out this article to understand how to read the visa bulletin.
KCC will increase the number made current on each region at a pace that ensures they have enough interviews to match the embassy capacity during each month.
So – to take an example. If OC had a highest case number of 1000, we could roughly expect to see that number increase by 100 each month. It might be 75 one month and 125 the next, but you get the general idea – it is a slow progression over the year.
Will there be a second draw?
In some years it is possible that there would be a small second draw around September/October. However, it would only be a small number of cases – so chances of being in that selection are very small. However, given the high case numbers we are seeing, there is almost no chance of a second draw for DV2020.
Please learn to be self sufficient about this point. This site has LOTS of information. Please apply some common sense and think before asking a question.
You can look at the historical visa bulletin numbers from previous years to get an idea how things work. However, every year is different, so I would suggest only taking a look at DV2018 to try and anticipate when your number will be scheduled for interview. **Please** do that rather than asking me to predict your interview date. Use some judgment and common sense to allow me to spend my time on people that need help with more critical questions.
Selectees, cases and case numbers
OK – so there is some confusion about this – so let me cover it here.
When the selectee numbers are published (in the July or August visa bulletin there is a number shown for each country within each region. That number is the number of *selectees – INCLUDING derivatives*. So – if a winner was single, that is one selectee on one case number. If the winner was married and had one child, that would count as three selectees. The global quota of visas is 50,000, so if the three person family were to be approved, that is 3 out of 50,000.
Each winner gets a case number. The derivatives are on that same case number. Each region has it’s on set of case numbers – so there can be an AF1, AF2, AS1, AS2, EU1 and EU2 ands so on. So when you tell me your case number is case number 12345 – it is meaningless. I need the year and region.
As I explain in this post about holes theory – the case numbers assigned have “holes” (or gaps between them). So – case number 2019EU20000 does NOT have 19999 cases in front of them. The number will be less. However, there may be less case numbers – but each case has the selectee and derivatives.
To understand your “place in the line”, you have to understand the density of cases, number of derivatives on each case, how many cases will respond, how many will be approved and so on. There is a lot to understand. I wrote a series of articles a couple of years ago – and all can be understood by reading those – start with density analysis, and use the links at the bottom of that article to get to the others. The analysis was specific to DV2016 – but the principles are the same.
In the first few months of the new program year we don’t have much data. In January we get access to the CEAC data and then we will understand a lot more. The CEAC data is all the case status info for every case – but again we will not have DV2020 CEAC data until January 2020. In the meantime, you can see excellent visualizations of the DV2018 and 2019 data at the site maintained by a smart guy call Xarthisius. The site illustrates well the density, response rate and so on, which are things you will hear me explain (and can read about on my site).
How many visas can be issued for DV2020? How about XXX country?
According to the published information, there are 50,000 visas available globally. However, the visas are allocated through a quota system to each region. They are NOT allocated by country. However, no one country can receive more than 7% of the global allocation. – so regions have an allocation of the 50,000 global quota. This is explained in more detail here.
Can DV2019 be stopped by Trump/Republicans/Aliens?
This was fully detailed in this post from August 2017. Since then, Trump and the Republicans have continued to achieve almost nothing, and there has been no credible progress toward immigration law changes. Please read that article, and don’t ask me the same questions again until an actual real law is passed.
GROUND RULES for BritSimonSays.com
I don’t work for the government, I don’t get paid for this. I work for a living and I sleep sometimes. So – I expect people to respect my time. That means the following “rules” exist on my site.
- Read the DV lottery guide. It includes a link to my guide on how to complete the DS260, an overall rough idea of the process and so on.
- READ the FAQ (frequently asked questions). If you ask me a question that is covered in the FAQ, you are wasting my time. Please help me help you and others that need help
- Learn how to use the search feature and translation features of this site.
- Post your questions in English. Like many of you, I am multilingual but English is a common language – and most Americans ONLY speak English, and mostly, not very well 😉
- If asking multiple questions, number your questions and consider how I can answer the question. Consider how I can answer with a simple yes or no or short answer – you will find I ALWAYS answer questions like that, because you considered how to make the answer easy for me to give. Give me enough detail to answer the question without making me read about your life history for 10 minutes. I do ignore some rambling questions that send me to sleep…
- Do NOT post “are you sure” type questions – I simply HATE that. It is a huge waste of my time to have to deal with that type of follow up. Read my answer 10 times if you need, but unless you are CONVINCED I misunderstood or answered incorrectly, don’t ask me the same thing I just answered.
- Post your question once and wait for a reply. Sometimes your post won’t show up on the public page until I approve it. That doesn’t mean you should post the same question 5 more times. Just wait.
- If following up to a question you already asked – use “REPLY” to keep the questions in context. I see an administrators view of the questions – I don’t always see that one question is close to your previous question, but I am able to jump to the thread if you use reply.
- Don’t expect me to know everything about life in all the countries around the world. You may not have left country A – but you should consider that the world does not all work the same way as country A.
- Tell the truth. Don’t lie to me. I hate it – and it is pointless. This process requires honesty. So do I.
- Keep your data private. Your case number should be quoted with region and year, but you don’t need to give me, or anyone else, a precise number. Give a range by “X-ing out” the last few digits. So – if your number is 2019AF000012345, you can quote your number as 2019AF12XXX. That tells me you are about the 12000 to 13000 range in AF region in 2019.
- Every year I get a few characters that drive me nuts. There is the person that asks every single question that pops into their head. If someone is making use of the info here, that should not be necessary. Take some responsibility for your own case. Second I get some smartasses that get uppity with me over one thing or another. I could argue for England, I enjoy a good argument, but this isn’t the place for that and I am too busy. I will not hesitate to delete messages I find annoying or damaging to other people’s chances. Some people are amazed when I do that – but this is my blog. If you want to argue because you think you know better, just find somewhere else to do that. I’m not interested in feeding your ego, and I don’t care if you think I am arrogant, mean, a tyrant or whatever. Really – I don’t care, so those “accusations” don’t hurt me.
- This space reserved for any other rules I think of, whenever I think of them.
May 19, 2019 at 14:32
Hi Brit,
I have few more questions for you that I need to have them clear before I start filling my ds 260 for dv 2020
-I had been previously married with an American citizen but our marrige finished with an annulment few months later.I never made any steps towards settling my status there!!My question is ,should i mark like yes to the section of being previous married or should I just mark “no”. ?
Will this annulment cut my chances to get a green card ?
-my tourist visa is expiring on july 2019!should i try to renew it just in case that at the end of this process I will not be successful?!!Knowing and reading once I go trough this process ,obtaing a tourist visa later will prove to be more difficult!!
Thank you!!
Gmarco.
May 19, 2019 at 15:53
You simply answer truthfully in the DS260. It is that simple.
Up to you about the tourist visa.
May 19, 2019 at 21:26
Hi Brit, I was selected edv-2020 and want fill out ds-260. I made a mistake adding my middle name which in not in my passport but its in my birth certificate when I was applying to edv-2020.Additionally,
I mistakenly to middle name I put my surname and to middle name I put surname.I read FAQ. Seems like I have already made to mistakes and I ma really worried that is KCC or consular will aprove my ds-260 which I am going to fill out soon. Anyway, my question is in the first page of ds-260 there is surname and given name.In my passport only first and last name but in my birth certificate I have middle name.So should I include my middle name in ds-260 or just surname =last name and given name= first name? Please help me out coz I really dont know how to fill out .
EX;
edv-2020
Surname: X
First Name : Y
Middle name: Z
passport :
Surname: Z
first name : Y
birth certificate:
Surname: Z
First name: Y
Middle name: X
Do I need to write to KCC and let them know that I made a mistake? ohhh…
Please how to I need to fill out in ds-260????
May 19, 2019 at 21:49
The normal decision would be to match to your passport, but in your case the passport is incorrect (because the middle name is missing). So – insert the full legal name (including middle name) on the DS260 and then in the other names used include the passport version.
May 20, 2019 at 14:43
Hello britsimon,
does a person can sponsor for two relatives dv applicant in same fiscal year 2020 ? Moreover, my relatives has already promise to sponsored for other and I want to join with him as my sponsor too .
May 20, 2019 at 20:04
That would introduce a risk. I advise against it.
May 20, 2019 at 15:30
1. Is there any way we can know the detail of information that was entered during 1st entry of dv lottery during October, so that to ensure all the data entered during filling ds 260 form are as per previous information. Also to check all data entered previously was correct or not. If there is any way pls help.
2. If the case number of Asia is upto 15000 is current except nepal upto 7000, does that mean case no below 15000 for nepal will also be current after some time?And case no upto 15000 for nepal is also safe?
May 20, 2019 at 20:10
1. There is no way. But if you told the truth you have no problem.
2. No. It means you must wait for later VBs. However, in DV2019 there are no Nepal cases at 15XXX
May 21, 2019 at 03:04
In dv2020, asia has case no upto 30000 and for nepal upto 22000 has been seen until now, which is quite different from past record
May 22, 2019 at 00:59
Hi SN. I am have a CN of AS13*** too from Nepal. Email me at [email protected] so we can share ideas.
Thanks
May 22, 2019 at 04:35
My case no is also similar, we shouldnot worry for dv2020 because case no are too high for asia as well as for nepal and we are in a middle range.
May 21, 2019 at 03:12
Hi Simon,
My case number is 2020AS57XX. In your visa bulletin records chart I see that in 2017 only up to AS5500 went current. But after that both in 2018 and 2019 that went up to AS10000. What will be the scenario this year? Should I be worried?
Thanks 🙂
May 21, 2019 at 03:17
Numbers vary year to year. It is too soon to say much about this year, but your number is OK.
May 21, 2019 at 07:49
Hi
(1)How would i know if my case number is ready
(2)when will i process my Ds 260 form
(3)my is 66xxxxx
May 21, 2019 at 14:01
Before asking questions, read the article above, read the FAQ and read the guide linked at the top of the page.
May 21, 2019 at 23:13
Hi Brit
Iam from AF Region , i was selected in the DV-2020 , i meet all the requirements except the military card wich i do not have ,( I have not passed the military service and I am not exempted ,I can only have a pronogation because of my study )
I have seen in the state.travel website and specifically in the page of (U.S. Visa: Reciprocity and Civil Documents of my Country ) that :
– Document Name: Military Card ( wich i don’t have )
– Alternate Documents: There are no alternate documents
– Exceptions: None
So im really confused .
Can you please give me your opinion and suggestions according to your experience ?
And big thank’s in advance
May god bless you for the informations that you are providing to us . 🙂
May 21, 2019 at 23:41
I don’t have experience of military service in your country – I don’t even know what country we are talking about. You must check for yourself the policy of whether your emigration will end your obligation to perform military service.
May 22, 2019 at 00:13
Thank’s for your reply Brit
Im from algeria . The problem is that there is no further informations about that . it’s just written that : ( Persons who have served in the military forces of any country must submit a copy of their military record. Does that means that it’s ok if a person hasn’t served in the military .
in return it is mentioned below in a NOTE (Military records from certain countries are unavailable. More specific information is available online on our Reciprocity by Country webpage.) And on that page it is mentioned that the Document Name is Military Card and there is no Alternate Documents and NO Exception ??
May 22, 2019 at 00:31
The question is whether Algeria will require you to fulfill the military service. I don’t know the answer.
May 22, 2019 at 00:51
Ok so shall i contact the embassy and ask them ?
May 22, 2019 at 02:10
You can try that, yes.
May 22, 2019 at 08:54
I’m from Algeria as well, and I have already received the confirmation, although, I didn’t send the military card, so don’t worry just send your papers without military card but the day of interview take with you a sworn statement (declaration sur l’honeur que tu n’es pas recherché voila)
May 22, 2019 at 00:20
it’s a kind of contradiction
Here is the link https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-prepare-supporting-documents.html
May 22, 2019 at 00:49
Hello there, I’m from Cambodia.
My wife have been randomly selected by DV lottery 2019-2020 and have submitted online application DS 260 for each family members (wife, husband and 3 children under 12 years old).
Would you recommend how many sponsors is enough for each of my family members?
Does the sponsor need to deposit specific amount of money to the bank for only my wife or for all members? How much will the deposit be for that?
Can I have a sponsor who is living in different state I submitted in the DS260?
How long will it take up to the email notification to invite to interview at the embassy?
Is my family bank statement strong support for the consideration of the consular for visa issuance? How much money should be required to cover all 5 family members?
Will the counselor interview each of my family members separately or all together?
Thank you so much for your clarification and answer.
TiVo
May 22, 2019 at 02:11
Read this – https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
If you still have questions after that. Ask those and NUMBER them.
May 23, 2019 at 06:13
Thank you, Brit.
I just checked my marriage certificate and it’s wrong with date of birth for my wife and mine which are different from the online DS260 application submission which I base in my current ID or birth of date certificate. Is it still possible to request for correction from the local authorities during the awaiting of the email notification for the interview for Visa?
Another thing regarding the degree (high school certificate) which is wrong with the date of birth, but the name is correct. It’s happened since the primary school registration and kept the date of birth up to the university time (for academic study only). I wonder it will affect my DV visa interview as the date of birth in the degree is different from my ID or birth of dat certificate that we cannot correct that? If it is not the problem, will those degrees be able to continue study in the U.S. keeping that date of birth without change.
Thanks again.
TiVo
May 23, 2019 at 17:54
1. If you need to correct – then yes.
2. OK – so now I am seeing a picture of a bad set of documents. The date of birth is incorrect in the marriage cert, and all education certs. The combination of differences can create a problem, through general suspicion about your documents.
May 24, 2019 at 23:57
Thank you so much, Brit,
Now I requested the local authority to make corrections of our marriage certificate regarding birth of dates to be the same as my ID and individual birth certificate.
For my wife’s degrees with wrong date of birth, she (DV lottery winner) could do nothing to be corrected as all original degree since High school till Universities were issued already. However, she could request from the local authority to authorize through recognized formal letter stating that (this name with that date of birth is the same person with this date of birth), is it possible to proof that during the interview? Will it be accepted? Would it be considered for continuing her academic study?
In case that her degrees are still suspicious, is it still a chance to proof through her several years of work of experience that the employer could certify her work through certificate of work?
Thanks again for your clarification. TiVo
May 25, 2019 at 00:09
She will have to do the best she can regarding the documents.
Regarding preparing a work experience case, read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
May 25, 2019 at 01:33
Thank you so much, Brit. All information provided are very important to be well prepared before the interview. Really appreciated.
June 3, 2019 at 00:30
Hello Brit,
I would like to clarify one more thing regarding my wife’s password which is valid by October 2020. Is it still ok for the interview for Visa 2020? If she needs to renew her passport, her passport number will be changed and that will it affect her old passport number registered in the DS260 application form?
Thanks,
TiVo
June 3, 2019 at 01:09
That would depend on when you interview. So – consider that and use some logic.
May 22, 2019 at 05:21
Hi I am from Afghanistan my case number is 27000 do you think we hava chance to interview???
May 22, 2019 at 15:31
You have a high number with high risk. Even if you manage to get an interview it would be very late in the year, and there is a high chance that your case could not be cleared in time because you come from Afghanistan. So – it is too soon to know for sure, but you should understand your chance of actually getting a GC from this win is very low.
June 15, 2019 at 10:17
Hi Moheb,
I am also from Afghanistan, contact me to share the experience.
0797683569
May 22, 2019 at 13:07
Hello Brit, there is a situation that happened in for DV2018. The VB went current in 3 regions, Africa, Asia and North America in August, but then in September, Africa region had a cut off number of 39,500. What exactly happened? If you have covered in one of your articles, please share a link.
May 22, 2019 at 15:59
It retrogressed. Use the search feature on this page to look for “retrogression”.
May 23, 2019 at 00:52
Hi sir, I got married to my girlfriend after the results.she is the winner and I would like to know is it OK to submit the ds 260 form with 2 different addresses. Or shall we use the same adresse to fill the ds form and change the adresse later in her passport?
May 23, 2019 at 02:09
Married people usually live together.
May 23, 2019 at 11:53
We do, but we have different addresses in our passports and Ids we haven’t change that yet. So is it okay to submit the ds form with the same adresse , then change the adresse cos it takes times to change it in my country.
May 23, 2019 at 18:05
Yes
May 23, 2019 at 20:33
Ty Brit,
May 24, 2019 at 01:37
Hello!
In order to apply for the AOS, because I am in the USA with a F1 VISA, i paid the 330$ fee. Now, what are the next steps? When do I have to send the l 485 form? Or do I have to wait that my number will become current? Which documents do i have to prepare?
Thank you in advance!!
May 24, 2019 at 03:41
You need to take the advice you have already been given. Slow down, study Moms spreadsheet.
May 24, 2019 at 06:54
Hello brit, how could i know my resuls? i typed for finding results.. but always that showed as error… i don’t know how can i get results via web site… please help me
May 24, 2019 at 14:07
Read the tips shown above.
May 24, 2019 at 08:46
Hi
Plz i can’t know if the case number is high or low,am confused on that.which number is high and which number is low plz help.like my case number is AF66xxxx
May 24, 2019 at 14:16
Well you managed to add too many Xs to your number. You seem confused with even the most simple things.
If your number is 6600 ish, that is low, if your number is 66000 range, it is high.
May 24, 2019 at 10:55
DEAR SIR
THE EMBASSY IN OUR COUNTRY HAS CLOSED FEW WEEKS AGO DUE TO SECURITY ISSUE, ITS NOT CLEAR WHEN IT WILL OPEN AGAIN.
1- WILL BE ANY RISK AND DELAY IF I SELECT THE EMBASSY OF MY COUNTRY, AND IT WILL BE CLOSE WHEN MY NUMBER BECOME BECOME CURRENT?
2- DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTION PLZ.
May 24, 2019 at 14:23
If you are DV2020, proceed as normal. It is too soon to know what will happen later.
May 24, 2019 at 20:26
yes I am, it will easy to change the interview location in case the embassy not opened at time of my interview?
May 24, 2019 at 20:32
I don’t know whether it will be easy or not – but in any case it won’t happen for MONTHS from now (depends on your case number) – so deal with it nearer the time.
May 24, 2019 at 11:36
Hello,I m from Nepal .I WON THE DV LOTTERY 2020 n my. Case no.is AS 64** IS MY CASE NO.HIGH? IS PARENTS DOB COMPULSORY IN 260 FORM?COZ THERE IS ONLY YEAR AND MONTH MENTIONED IN MY MOTHER IN LAW’S CITIZENSHIP..AGENCY SUGGESTED TO WRITE ANY ONE DATE..WHAT SHALL WE DO?
May 24, 2019 at 14:25
Use the date in the citizenship.
Too soon to know about numbers.
May 24, 2019 at 15:36
In citizenship there is only year n month like 1952 may no date..can we mention only DAT…it was made many years ago and she doesn’t know the date..
May 24, 2019 at 19:42
Assume 01 May 1952.
May 25, 2019 at 02:37
Thank u soo much
May 24, 2019 at 15:39
Hello Brit,
My wife is one of the DV selectees from Nepal with case number AS74XX. We were already married while filling the form for DV but she just mentioned marital status single mistakenly. Now she wants to include her spouse too in DS260 form. Does the previous “single” marital status matter?
May 24, 2019 at 19:44
Yes. your wife lied on the DV entry form, and the instructions are completely clear that spouse must be included. She will be disqualified if she goes for interview.
May 26, 2019 at 02:35
then what is the best way to proceed ahead with her spouse?
May 26, 2019 at 04:02
There is no way to fix it.
May 27, 2019 at 05:16
Hi Brit, I made a mistake in my edv-2020. Plus I put my middle name as well which is not in my passport but in my birth certificate or local id.Now, I need to fill out ds-260 and having trouble. Should I put my middle name in ds- 260 in “given name” filed? Or I just can skip it. Hope it’s not a big deal. Please let me know
May 27, 2019 at 05:51
Your form should have the full legal name, then use the other names section if needed.
May 27, 2019 at 12:49
Hi Simon,
Could be a cliche so please don’t mind , I am from Nepal and my case number is around AS13XXX. Do I have chance or should I quit hoping for the goods?
Looking for your precious response
May 27, 2019 at 14:57
It is too soon to know.
May 29, 2019 at 06:10
don’t loose da hope coz case no.is too high did time .. August ma case no.release vayec predict garna milxa kosko kahelay Palo aauxa vanera…keep praying for da best..
May 29, 2019 at 18:45
Hi Simon. My CN is quite high 2020EU28XXX. unfortunatelly I submitted DS-260 immediately.
1.
My EU-passport I used for the DS-260 is valid just until Mai 05, 2020.
I have also a second EU-Citizenship but that passport was valid just until 2014, so I marked „no passport“ at my second citizenship in the DS-260.
In case the KCC would ask me to send all the documents (because of my high CN probably not before July 2020) my current passport will be invalid. The copy of which passport I supposed to send?
the expired one (which I used in the DS-260) or the new one.
Because of that I just want to apply both passports for my both EU-citizenship. Should I do it asap and ask the KCC to unlock my DS260 and change the information about the passports ?
2.
Unfortunately in the DS-260 I missed out one of my addresses in the past where I lived 2002-2004. I used that address as I applied for my first US-Tourist-Visa in 2003. Is it important to correct it ?
It was the same city but another name of the street. I completely forgot about it.
3.
In the column birth surname of my mother unfortunately is missing the last letter.
4.
Do I have to make some changes in the DS-260 about the “current” jobs in case I would get another one or change the address if I’ll move to another street ?
What do you think ?
Pitt
May 29, 2019 at 20:42
1. You won’t have an interview until after May – so, nearer the time, renew that one. You can unlock to update once you renew.
2. Correct that when you unlock for the passport.
3. Same as 2.
4. Generally you don’t need to update every little change, but because you will be changing anyway, update it all at that time.
May 29, 2019 at 22:27
Thanks a lot !
May 29, 2019 at 19:19
hi brit im dv2020 i have won with my family i got 4 child the first one is above 21 years he got 22 so my question is should i mention him in my ds 260 or not ???? if not when i will get my interview can i mention him????
May 29, 2019 at 21:34
You have previously posted with a name of “prince” saying you were a 2019 winner with AF29XXX. So – what happened about that case and why are you now asking about a DV2020 case?
May 30, 2019 at 01:41
well this is for my friend since he does not know English so i’m helping him , about my case everything is alright my interview is for july .
May 30, 2019 at 05:14
Then you need to be more clear, or tell your friend to come and ask questions for himself.
The friend should follow instructions on the DS260. The child over 21 will not get a visa as a derivative.
May 31, 2019 at 05:34
hello Brit,
i got selected in dv-2020 form nepal
i have already submitted my ds-260 form like 2 weeks ago
my case is 5**
Should i send my all document to KCC or wait for their reply?
is the Case no is good?
Thank you^
May 31, 2019 at 13:42
Wait for KCC to contact you. The number is fine.
May 31, 2019 at 13:57
Hello Brit. How are you doing? I just entered the dv main site and i saw some significant changes like sending sponsors documents online, paying some fees before submitting or completion ds260 and much more. Do you think this is in line with dv2019 or it will start with dv2020. Best regards. 2019Af46xxx
May 31, 2019 at 14:16
I think you have clicked into the non DV area of the site.
May 31, 2019 at 22:02
Hi brit
Am 2020 winner & I’ve 2 question for plz
I applied with my name as principle and my family as accompany & my wife applied as a principle & family as accompany would that be considered as duplicate entry?
My case no. Is 2020AS000021** will my interview be in dec19? (am asking because ive some original document to send it overseas)
Thanks in advance 🙂
May 31, 2019 at 22:53
Not duplicate.
Maybe December – too early to be sure.
June 2, 2019 at 19:46
Hello Brit,
I have a question concerning police certificate. I’m the principal applicant in DV2020. My spouse traveled to a country in Europe in 2016 for a university exchange program which lasted less than 6 month. Will she be required to obtain a police certificate from that country?
June 2, 2019 at 21:05
Did you read the instructions?
June 5, 2019 at 04:20
I just read the instructions. Thanks Brit. ?
June 3, 2019 at 02:20
Hello brit,whats the requirements of income of a sponser to support dv selectee with his wife and a son..if the requirement of sponser is not qualified as we provided in ds 260 can we get chance to change the sponser or add one..before or after interview happens.Or simply we get rejected.quit confused..
June 3, 2019 at 03:12
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
June 3, 2019 at 20:47
Hiya Brit,
First of all thank you for making resourceful website. I read carefully before I ask question to you. I checked previous years cut-off number and kinda estimated 2019 cut-off number which is around 2019EU36XXX (based on previous months VB).
Anyways o randomly selected for DV2020.
2020EU34XXX from Turkey, as you mention it above it’s too early to estimate if my number can be up or not.
1. DS2020 process had been changed so it is a advantage for my case or not?
2. Worst case scenario if my number isn’t up for further processing what can I do ? Or basically should I give up ?
Thank you for your time to read this and I appriciate your help.
Thanks in advance.
June 3, 2019 at 21:54
It is too early to ask or answer these questions. Wait a couple of months until we at least know selectee counts.
June 3, 2019 at 22:11
Thanks Brit I appreciate your support.
June 3, 2019 at 22:30
Hi Brit, I am ds 2020 winner how do i get my ds260 for to fill, will i get it through my email. Pls help
June 3, 2019 at 22:55
Read the guide above, follow instructions.
June 4, 2019 at 08:16
What r da medical conditions? Is it very strict?my husband was disqualified for Qatar due to a small calcification…I showed the report to many doctors and they said its only calcification it can happen to any one..and it does not matter in other countries..what are da terms in us for dv selectees
June 4, 2019 at 18:22
Have you read the list of diseases given in the FAQ? You should.
June 5, 2019 at 00:49
Does calcification indicates tb? And we have recently done x ray again it was normal findings it was clear plz tell me can it b denial.m really worried abt dis
June 5, 2019 at 01:37
I’m not a doctor. Did you ask the doctor???
June 6, 2019 at 14:27
Hi brit, i have a question. If I submit my DS-260 can i travel US? its possible that i could get deported because of submitting the ds-260.
June 11, 2019 at 08:52
Hi Brit,
Hope you are doing well.
My case no. is 2020AS00023xxx.
Already I have submitted DS 260
Let’s say that Visa bulletin ( that related to the Asian region ) in August/September 2020 as bellow
Asian >>>>>>>> CURRENT
01) According to the ‘current’ period on Visa bulletin , Does KCC consider the ALL CASE NUMBERS for the selecting the applicants for the interview ?
02) Is it possible to participate for all applicants (applicants of qualified DS 260) for the interview that is conducted during August 2020-September 2020?
03) No need to submit the scan copies of the documents without informing by KCC?
Hope you will reply to my questions
Thanks
Sehan
June 11, 2019 at 12:56
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. For DV2020, wait until KCC ask.
June 12, 2019 at 03:51
Thank you very much for your prompt reply Brit. If you want any favor from me/Sri Lanka, Please let me know.
Best Regards
June 12, 2019 at 19:20
🙂
June 11, 2019 at 17:11
Hello sehan dilruksha contact me for share some ideas about dv. Im from sri lanka [email protected]
June 11, 2019 at 09:57
Hi Simon,
your kind support is appreciated.
I am the selected for DV 2020 from Afghanistan with case number # AS22xxx.
it looks my cs number is too high hope to get a chance for interview,
1. does DV lottery is divided to countries by certain number of selected applicants and will issue them the visa, or it will process by Case numbers low to high by regions and will be process up to 50k visas?
2.request to create a page with info about the states of U S with cost of living, crime rate, job opportunity and any other information needed to know by new comers.
June 11, 2019 at 13:03
1. It will process by Case numbers low to high by regions and will be process up to 50k visas.
2. You need to learn to use the FAQ. https://britsimonsays.com/faq_categories/life-in-the-usa/
June 11, 2019 at 18:58
Hi Brit.
I am having difficulties in checking my registration. I tried it so many times but it’s still them same and I tried my wife own and it’s also the same. Is there a way out of is that a way for you to know if you’ve not been picked.
June 11, 2019 at 19:12
This question is too vague. I suggest you follow the link above to make sure you are entering the details correctly.
June 12, 2019 at 04:19
Hi Mikail,
You can find your lost confirmation no using your email address. Please refer the bellow content from Brit regarding the forgotten case no.
If you have lost or forgotten your confirmation number from last year, you can use the link on the ESC page to retrieve that number. In that case you need to enter your lastname, first and middle names, as well as the full date of birth and the email address submitted in the original entry. You don’t need access to that email account, but you need to provide the email address accurately. If you don’t have those things, there is no other way to retrieve your confirmation number.
Also you can use the ‘Google Translate’ for further searching
https://www.google.com/search?q=google+translate&rlz=1C1CHBF_enLK821LK821&oq=goo&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j0j69i59j69i57j69i60l2.1834j1j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Good luck
June 12, 2019 at 10:41
Hi Millad Habid,
Definitely “CURRENT ” will be appeared on next year Visa bulletin (At least in September 2020). So, you can face the interview. Don’t think too much. In this year CURRENT will be appeared on July month visa bulletin.
June 12, 2019 at 11:17
Hi Sehan,
You can’t say it exactly sehan. because seems in this time differ than the previous years because we heard about AS region selected case numbers up to 30000. which means this year can be over selected year or more holes year or can be the both.
wait until selectees numbers are published (maybe next month) and then we can start judges and we can predict accurate judgement after once CEAC data are available.
June 21, 2019 at 06:32
Hi Arash,
can you define me About “HOLE” with suitable example.
please…………….
June 21, 2019 at 13:40
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/
June 12, 2019 at 19:38
Please don’t write such silly comments on my blog. If you have read what I explain, you would know we cannot say that will definitely happen. I prefer to keep things FACT based.
June 12, 2019 at 21:14
Hi Sehan Dilruksha,
why are you so sure that all CNs will be current for DV2020 ?
June 13, 2019 at 10:53
Hi Radu,
According to the statistics & considering the last 10 years results,
Minimum possibility for coming CURRENT Visa Bulletin in 2020 is 16.67%
Total no. of months for the DV 2020 fiscal year is 12
Let’s say CURRENT months for DV 2020 (Only for Asian region) is X
X/12 = 16.67/100
X=2
It means August & September will be CURRENT for Asian region at least.
* Assumption: Same selection procedure will be used for DV 2020 as last ten year procedures.
Please refer the bellow link for history of visa bulletin
https://britsimonsays.com/historical-visa-bulletin-numbers/
June 13, 2019 at 21:12
I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude to you personally Sehan, but that is an idiotic formula and prediction. Your assumption is already known not to be correct, because we have dramatically different case numbers to a normal year.
So let’s say for example that there are 50,000 selectees for Asia alone in DV2020. Your formula doesn’t alter at all, even though it would be 100% obvious that the region would not be current. I have been involved in the DV lottery since DV2013. Don’t you think I would be telling people something other than it’s too early to know if there was a way to use some formula as you have? We have to wait to know selectee numbers.
June 12, 2019 at 21:03
Hi Brit Simons,
I was wondering if you happen to know whether there is a new process for those applicants applying for adjustment of status. Both my husband and I are on a F1 status and he was selected for DV 2020.
Our case number is EU 00004*** (which is a fairly low number)
We filed our DS 260 on May 14 and received a reply from the KCC in about 3.5 weeks (on June 7). However, in that email they are not asking us to submit any documents to the KCC electrically, unlike from what I read in one of your articles.
Is this a new process or something they’re doing for DV 2020?
Here is the exact email they sent us:
Attached are the Adjustment Letter and Adjustment of Status Mail Form.
Indications on your DS-260 show that you wanted to adjust your status in the United States and indicate that you are residing in the United States and wish to process your case at the local United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office.
The option to adjust status may not be available to all applicants. To determine whether you are eligible to adjust your status you must contact USCIS (http://www.uscis.gov) to obtain instructions on how to make an appointment with your local USCIS office. When contacting your local USCIS office they may inform you that you will not be eligible to file your adjustment until your case number is current and available for processing. Please refer to the visa bulletin at http://www.travel.state.gov to view the current case numbers being processed. This bulletin is updated after the 15th day of each month.
If USCIS determines that you are eligible to adjust status you will be required to pay a non-refundable diversity visa processing fee of $330.00 per person directly to the Department of State. This fee is assessed to cover cost incurred by the Department of State in running the lottery selection process and is separate from any fees you will need to pay USCIS as part of your adjustment application. Failure to pay this fee may result in the loss of your diversity visa. The fee must be paid before the Department of State will transfer your case to USCIS. This fee cannot be refunded, even if your request to adjust status is not approved. Instructions for paying the Diversity Visa fee are available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/adjustment-of-status-fee-payment.html.
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
Diversity Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
Diversity Visa Instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
DS-260 instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-submit-your-iv-and-alien-registration-application.html
To enter the Diversity Visa lottery or to check for a selection notice: https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/
June 12, 2019 at 21:29
No there is NOT a new process for AOS cases. The change for documents relates to CP cases only. In fact your DS260 submission was too early, and not strictly speaking part of the AOS process (although I do recommend AOS’ers file the DS260 as I have discussed in some of my articles).
June 14, 2019 at 18:45
Hi Brit
Thanks for the informative blogs. I won the DV2020 lottery and I have a girl friend(not legally married) and we are expecting a baby in Noveber. I filled as a single entrant. I have a lower case number AF9XXX. As evident, I might not make it to get a marriage certificate for her to be included. We have discussed and agreed that I procede as a single entrant. My question is after how long after arrival in the states can I procees her documents?(for the fiancee visa) or is there another way out. Thanks in advance.
June 14, 2019 at 21:12
I would marry and add her now. If you go alone it will take about two years to sponsor her later. Read the FAQ about getting married.
June 17, 2019 at 10:08
Hello Brit,
My husband is winner of DV 2020. When we submit the DV entry form, our son is 20 years old( his birthday : 10 November 1998). He is unmarried and live with us. I want to know whether he can go with us or not.
awaiting for your reply.
thanks in advance.
June 17, 2019 at 14:09
So he will turn 21 in November this year – and CSPA protection will give him until June 2020. So – it depends on the case number and when you are interviewed.
https://britsimonsays.com/child-turn-21-can-heshe-get-visa/
June 19, 2019 at 02:44
Hello Brit,
Our case number is 2xxxx.
Should he need to submit DV 2021 ?
June 19, 2019 at 05:34
Why not?
June 17, 2019 at 10:59
Hi BritSimon!
My case number is AS118xx, do you think ? I have a chance for interview or not?? And on what month is possibly predicted??
I am looking forwards to hearing from you soon
Thanks with best regards
June 17, 2019 at 14:12
Year???
June 20, 2019 at 01:11
My CN: 2020AS118xx, do you think I have a chance for us embassy interview ??
I am looking forwards to hearing from you soon
Thanks with best regards!
June 20, 2019 at 02:33
It is too soon to know.
June 18, 2019 at 09:17
Hello Brit..
Our case number is AS 29xxx.
June 19, 2019 at 20:12
Hey Brit, I realize that there are high numbers this year. I’m a little concerned because I’m AF69xxx
June 19, 2019 at 22:15
Yep, I understand. However we don’t have the selectee numbers yet. So in a month or so we will know more.
June 20, 2019 at 03:53
June 20, 2019 at 1:11 am
My CN: 2020AS118xx, do you think I have a chance for us embassy interview ??
I am looking forwards to hearing from you soon
Thanks with best regards!
June 20, 2019 at 04:17
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-187531
June 20, 2019 at 07:50
Hello Brit,
Do we need to show bank statement or any financial evidence on interview day?
Thank you in advance.
June 20, 2019 at 14:31
Yes. READ THE FAQ.
June 21, 2019 at 03:52
Hi Brit,
Can you share numerical data of DV 2020 selectees as region wise/country wise.
I have seen the data upto DV 2019. But I was unable to find DV 2020 data.
Thank you very much
June 21, 2019 at 04:11
BECAUSE IT IS NOT AVAILABLE YET!
June 21, 2019 at 05:17
Once released please update on your site. Thank you very much Brit
June 21, 2019 at 05:59
Great idea. I wish I had thought of that.
June 21, 2019 at 08:43
Hi Brit,
How many DV Visa is issued including all derivatives of each family per year.?
Eg: In DV2017,
Total no. of visa issue issued for all Region is = 49976
Does above value is related including all derivatives OR except all derivatives of each selectee?
Thanks
June 21, 2019 at 13:53
First you write things as if you are some sort of authority on the subject. Then you keep asking questions without bothering to read anything I have already written. Please stop asking and start reading. The article above ALREADY ANSWERS this latest question – so your laziness is becoming annoying.
June 21, 2019 at 06:17
Hi, BritSimon
i am from NEPAL (Asaia ) And my case number is 5900.
is it possible to get email for interview .
June 21, 2019 at 12:36
Hi sir please I which to ask if I would be able to get interview appointment in August or september.my case number is 2020AF00027545 .I submitted my ds260 form since the 10/May/2020
June 21, 2019 at 12:53
Again sir my case number is AF but I played in AS country ( uae) and my interview location is in Abu Dhabi.just wish to know my probability.
June 21, 2019 at 14:15
Where were you born?
June 21, 2019 at 15:02
In African (Cameroon)
June 21, 2019 at 15:05
OK – then no problem.
June 21, 2019 at 14:13
Next year, not this year.
June 21, 2019 at 15:06
OK which means as from January 2020
June 21, 2019 at 13:40
Probably, yes.
June 21, 2019 at 15:15
Meaning that my interview could be in August or September 2019.?.????
June 21, 2019 at 15:55
Not at late as that – but wait and see.
June 22, 2019 at 15:22
S ofcourse don’t worry m from Nepal too..we will soon be interviewed..don’t worry abt da case no.its too high dis time
June 21, 2019 at 08:37
hello, I am from AF region, is there any problem for someone doesn’t know birthday of their parents? in DS 260, can I guess their birthday or to say I don’t know? thank you for your support
June 21, 2019 at 13:47
Guess.
June 21, 2019 at 15:34
Hello Sir my case number is 2020AS22XXX and I’m from Afghanistan
1=As per your instruction I have not submitted DS260 although people here are saying to submit. When should I submit it Sir?
2= I was living as a refugee for decades in Pakistan can u please check and confirm PCC is not required from Pakistan I checked from my side its not required but if its required need to go there please Sir once want to confirm from you side as I will follow all ur instruction.
3=Sir I’m applicant winner with wife and a daughter 1.5years old we need to fill one DS260 or one for each.
Thanks sir
June 21, 2019 at 15:54
1. Certainly wait a couple of months – and possibly until January. In January we will have the CEAC data.
2. You can read the reciprocity page.
3. One for each person.
Good luck.
June 21, 2019 at 19:21
Thank you Sir.
June 22, 2019 at 21:20
Hi sir
My friend is 2020 winner he has mistaken in his birthday and will correct it in ds 260
When he want to ask kcc to open ds for adding new baby in Feb 2020 will he write the modified birthday with the case number and name
Or the one he wrote when he apply for lottery and won with it?
June 22, 2019 at 21:26
He must put the correct one in the ds260
June 23, 2019 at 16:07
Hi Dear sir
Iam from Afghanistan and was selected in dv lottery 2020
My case number is 2020AS139xx
Sir please can u help me that in which month my interview will be held
June 23, 2019 at 18:37
That is going to be next year. Nearer the time we can be more clear.